Charlie Hebdo, the French satirical magazine, has marked the 10th anniversary of the devastating terrorist attack on its Paris headquarters with a special commemorative edition. The January 7, 2015 attack, carried out by two armed extremists, resulted in the tragic deaths of 12 people, including prominent cartoonists and editorial staff, leaving a profound scar on the global media landscape and sparking debates about freedom of expression and the threats it faces.

The special edition, released this week, reflects on the past decade, celebrating resilience while acknowledging the weight of the tragedy. The cover, a hallmark of Charlie Hebdo’s unapologetically bold style, carries a poignant message about the enduring fight for free speech. Inside, readers find tributes to the victims, including caricatures and writings by the late cartoonists Charb, Cabu, Wolinski, and Tignous, whose legacies continue to influence the magazine’s ethos.

The attack on Charlie Hebdo was a response to the magazine’s controversial cartoons depicting the Prophet Muhammad, which had previously drawn ire from extremist groups. On the morning of January 7, 2015, brothers Saïd and Chérif Kouachi stormed the office during an editorial meeting, killing staff members and injuring several others. Their act of violence shocked the world and led to massive demonstrations under the banner “Je Suis Charlie” (“I Am Charlie”), symbolizing solidarity with the magazine and the defense of free speech.

Over the years, Charlie Hebdo has remained committed to its mission of satire and fearless commentary, though not without challenges. The magazine’s staff continues to operate under heightened security, and its offices are undisclosed for safety reasons. The anniversary edition highlights the sacrifices and ongoing struggles faced by journalists and satirists in an increasingly polarized world. The special edition also features reflections from survivors of the attack and new works by current contributors. Editor-in-Chief Riss, who survived the attack after being seriously injured, writes about the resilience required to continue publishing in the face of fear.